One year ago, PSSI paid $1.5 million in civil penalties as part of a December 2022 Consent Order and Judgment (COJ) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regarding child labor violations discovered in August and November of that same year. The incident served as a wake-up call that our compliance polices modeled after the government’s best employment practices were not sufficient to catch fake identification documents capable of circumventing E-Verify. It was a difficult lesson to learn, but one that has made PSSI a better company for our employees and our valued customers.
We have spent the last two years looking inward, and through that sobering work, created the toughest compliance measures in the industry. Compliance is now a bedrock principle of our company – intentionally weaved into both PSSI’s comprehensive compliance plan as well as our code of conduct. We continue to sharpen our policies and procedures at every level, from the C-Suite to a factory floor to uphold our zero-tolerance code against employing anyone under the age of 18. Two-minute plant floor safety drills, enhanced training during the hiring process (which includes secondary and tertiary vetting), and a third-party compliance specialist who shows up for unannounced inspections are just some of the bold and necessary efforts we have enacted and strengthened since 2022.
There is no doubt that the immigration issue in the United States is widespread and complex, where children – in some cases – are sent to this country not only to flee poverty and violence but also to earn livings for their families back home. Efforts to gain employment are unfortunately propelled by smugglers or bad actors in many instances, who arm children with fake identification – that can elude detection from even the government’s best employment verification tool, E-Verify – which PSSI learned.
We have looked outward, engaging with leading trade organizations, customers, and non-governmental organizations to not only be a strong partner in the efforts to eradicate all child labor, but also to chart a course with which all businesses can benefit. We have also put our money where our mouth is, starting to infuse communities with much needed resources. PSSI is committed to protecting children and we believe in creating pathways to prosperity. You can expect to see more in this space, as our commitment deepens.
What else can you expect to see in 2024? You can anticipate PSSI reinforcing our commitment to eradicating child labor, with ongoing engagement and adherence to protocols regarding any violations or suspected child labor concerns, now and in the future. You will continue to see safety, compliance, and first-rate service guide all our customer relations. But above all – you will continue to see compliance shape everything we do, and every decision we make.